On March 10, 2019, Tibetans and supporters staging a protest in front of the Chinese consulate as they commemorate the 1959 national uprising day against China's military occupation of Tibet. Photo: TPI/Yeshe Choesang

President of the Central Tibetan Administration, Dr Lobsang Sangay addressing the public on the 60th Anniversary of the Tibetan National Uprising Day, in Dharamshala, India, on March 10, 2019. Photo: CTA

Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama, Former Botswana President addressing the official commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of Tibetan National Uprising Day in Dharamshala, 10 March 2019. Photo: CTA/Tenzin Jigme

Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam who started the DIFF speaking at Upper TCV School in Dharamshala, India. The festival ended with the closing night screening of Aijaz Khan's 'Hamid' at the Hermann Gmeiner Auditorium. photo: TPI

President Dr Lobsang Sangay with the Thank You India Souvenir – A Dharmachakra representing the wheel of Universal Truth, at the press conference at Press Club of India on January 18, 2018. Photo: CTA/DIIR/Tenzin Phende

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Dr Lobsang Sangay President of the Central Tibetan Administration making the official announcement of the long-life prayer offering, during a press conference at Kashag Secretariat, Dharamshala, India, March 18, 2019. Photo/Tenzin Jigme/CTA

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Leh, Ladakh: - The sun was beating down and the heat was on. However, nothing could have stopped the droves of Ladakhis from coming out on the morning of July 29th for a possible glimpse of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and to give Him the warmest of welcomes to the "top of the world," as he proceeded from the airport to his place of retreat, following his arrival in Leh, Ladakh.

Ladakh, a spectacular, yet arid region, high in the Himalayas, has earned both the titles, "Top of the World," and "Little Tibet" in India and has been noted to be one of the last undisturbed Mahayana Buddhist societies on Earth.

Yet on this day, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike, traveled from many far reaching areas of Ladakh and beyond, lining the streets with their Khatas, prayer beads, and offerings, celebrating the blessings of this most fortunate visit by His Holiness. Many could be heard reciting:

"Chomden dir ni Jonpa Lek, Dak chak sonam kalpar den..." (Enlightened one, welcome, now that you have come, we have such good fortune and merit...)

While the ride from the airport could have easily have been a quick and hasty journey, His Holiness generously extended kindness and compassion toward the street lined supporters, taking his time to move slowly and deliberately along the roadway, giving all the opportunity to experience the blessings offered in the moments of his arrival.

While His Holiness will return to the Leh, Ladakh region in July 2014, giving a Kalachakra Initiation (3.7.2014-14.7.2014), this current three week visit to Ladakh is recognized to be designated for his much deserved rest and personal retreat.

Ladakh is known to be a place of serenity and gracious hospitality, but some would say that on this very auspicious day, you could feel an even greater wave of peace and good fortune wash over Ladakh.